All renderings of FÖRENA via BRDAR
Fourteenth Street, Manhattan's longest east-west thoroughfare, is still finding its footing as through-car traffic has been limited and brick-and-mortar retailers struggle to find their place in a post-pandemic, online-shopping world. Straddling some of the city's most sought-after neighborhoods —from Meatpacking to Alphabet City— the stretch's condo market shows no signs of slowing down. The latest venture to come online falls smack in its center, on Sixth Avenue at the cusp of Chelsea and Greenwich Village. Named FÖRENA, the Swedish word for “unite,” the building's 50 one- through three-bedroom homes are nearly fully accounted for and are now ready for immediate move-ins.
FÖRENA was developed through a joint venture between Landsea Homes and DNA Development, which purchased an assemblage of four-story buildings from Extell Development Company for $52.8 million in 2018. The Moscot outpost among them moved across the street to 555 Sixth Avenue. The site was also once home to Merce Cunningham’s first dance studio and the headquarters of Gay Liberation Front, formed in the wake of the Stonewall rebellion, both of which were demolished to make way for the new building.
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April 2022 (CityRealty)
“After launching sales last year, we couldn’t be more pleased to reach this exciting milestone at FÖRENA and to welcome residents to their highly anticipated new homes,” said Jed Lowry, Division Vice President at Landsea Homes, developer of FÖRENA along with DNA Development. “Residents have the best elements of New York right outside their doorsteps but also receive the ultimate sense of relaxation within the serene homes and the amenity selection.”
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For much of the time FÖRENA was under construction, the only hints as to the design by Morris Adjmi Architects were drawings submitted to the NYC Department of Buildings. However, after debuting renderings last year, the construction netting has come down revealing a muted, context-sensitive design of buff brick, cascading terraces, and projecting metal frames enclosing its uppermost floors.
FÖRENA has been one of the best-selling new developments of 2022 in terms of contract signings - locking in more than $35 million in aggregate sales across 20 signings. After experiencing robust sales velocity since its spring 2021 launch, just a handful of residences remain on the market. A one-bedroom on the third floor is asking $1.725 million
and a two-bedroom on the second floor is asking $2.875 million. Residences in the building sold rather quickly as the competitive pricing (especially for a new development) is in line with Chelsea's overall condo median, which is $1.48 million for one-beds, $2.85 million for two-beds, and $5 million for three-bedrooms.
FÖRENA’s Scandinavian-inspired homes are bathed with natural light, and gracious proportions bestow a sense of balance and serenity. As the building nears the finish line, design expert Neila Deen of Urban Casa was tapped to bring these homes to life with her contemporary aesthetic that introduces rich hues and textures, varying wood finishes, and a host of custom artwork.
↓ Residences feature generous layouts, abundant natural light, ceilings up to 13 feet high, white oak flooring, and oversized tilt-and-turn windows with enhanced noise reduction.
↓ Bespoke kitchens are finished with grey lacquer cabinetry, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, under-cabinet LED lighting, honed marble countertops, and stainless steel Miele appliances.
↓ Urban Casa’s work on the model homes were made to complement Morris Adjmi’s Scandinavian sensibility within the building: Soothing yet elegant and refined.
↓ Select units have private terraces for al fresco dining and relaxation.
↓ Designed for function and ease, FÖRENA's amenity suite includes a 24-hour attended lobby, an intimate rooftop terrace with panoramic Manhattan views, a residents’ lounge with direct access to a lush outdoor Zen garden, and a well-appointed fitness center.
↓ The attended lobby is finished with soothing tones and natural materials, setting the tone for a retreat from the bustle outside.
↓ A landscaped Zen courtyard offers a peaceful escape.
↓ The residents’ lounge features a pool table, fully equipped kitchen, aperitif lockers for each residence, and access to the courtyard.
↓ A state-of-the-art fitness center is outfitted with Technogym equipment.
↓ The landscaped roof terrace has a grill, outdoor kitchen, and spectacular city views.
↓ FÖRENA's sexy condo rival across Sixth Avenue at 101 West 14th Street
FÖRENA has a bike room but does not offer parking, perhaps in recognition of how superfluous that would be given its address: Not only is FÖRENA close to the 14th Street 1/F/M and PATH trains, but it is also located along the 14th Street busway that considerably cut down on travel time and enhanced quality of life along the blocks.
FÖRENA is also a short walk from the Union Square transportation hub, but the area’s park, restaurants, shops, services, and recreational offerings allow for plenty to do close to home. It is also well positioned to offer easy access to the attractions of Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and the Meatpacking District.
FORENA's development team at the topping out ceremony last year
“Our team has loved selling at FÖRENA as there is truly no other building like it and the response has just been incredible,” said Glenn Davis of The Tuinstra | Davis Team. “One of the building’s primary selling points is its unique and exquisite Scandinavian design and cascading terraces which buyers have really come to appreciate. In the city that never sleeps, buyers want to feel like their homes offer a sense of tranquility, and the ones at FÖRENA do just that.”
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